WPS Superintendent Updates
A Message from Dr. Gough
Dear WPS Community,
Happy October! It was great to see so many families at our Open Houses these past two weeks. With September behind us, there is a high level of enthusiasm and engagement in learning across all of our schools. October is a time for us to celebrate and honor our principals for their leadership and dedication to their students and school communities. We appreciate all that you do! Please be reminded that there is no school on Monday, October 9th. Let’s hope for some nice weather this weekend to get out and enjoy the fall colors.
WHS Earns School of Recognition
We are thrilled to share the news that Walpole High School has been recognized as a 'School of Recognition' by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Out of 1,830 schools in Massachusetts, Walpole High School was among only 66 schools (and only 18 high schools) that received this recognition. This achievement, which takes into account MCAS scores, absenteeism, and graduation rates, is a direct result of the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff. We are grateful for the support of our families and the entire Walpole community.
MCAS
WHS Awarded $25,000 in Grant Funding
In addition to a Work Study Program, WHS currently has the STEM Academy. Its mission is to create a culture where Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics are celebrated and where students are inspired to turn their passion into a fulfilling career. WHS is looking to implement Information and Manufacturing as their first "Pathway". Next year, Health Care and Social Assistance may be added.
Reminder to Download New Communications System App
This past summer, Walpole Public Schools launched our new app for mobile phones. With the new app, you can stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. As a result, the Walpole Public Schools listserv will be shutting down this month. To stay informed about news and updates from Walpole Public Schools, please download our app.
You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3BZ2JCc
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3C3cFuk
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship
The Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship applications are due October 31st. The application can be found on the District Website or at the Superintendent's Office. Awards shall be distributed to undergraduates at four-year accredited colleges. To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must be a graduate of Walpole High School.
Interface
Walpole has partnered with William James College INTERFACE Referral Service for community access to the Mental Health Referral Helpline. This is a free, confidential mental health outpatient referral service for children, adults, and families. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from INTERFACE’s extensive database. Information can be found on our webpage and also Town’s webpage.
Middle School Building Project Update
The general site development and plumbing install is ongoing. The monumental stair took place this week. Electrical, HVAC, interior framing, and drywall are moving forward. Exterior brick install continues on the east and west side of Area B, working north. Roof install is substantially complete.
A Message from Dr. Gough
Dear WPS Community,
We are excited to welcome our students back into classrooms. Despite the heat, it has been great to see our classrooms come alive as we start the 2023-2024 school year. As always, thank you to our incredible staff for their hard work preparing for a successful opening. Dr. Hahn and I have enjoyed our early visits to schools to connect with our students, families, and staff.
We welcomed students moving in from our neighboring towns and those who returned to WPS from charter, vocational, and private schools. We also welcomed families who moved to Walpole from other states, including Virginia, Florida, and New York, and also from other countries, including Brazil, India, Guatemala, Ukraine, and the Dominican Republic.
Please make sure to check your individual school site for upcoming events. As a reminder, September 22nd is an early release day.
Back to School/Open House Nights
Our Back to School Nights are a wonderful opportunity for you to get a first hand glimpse into your child's educational journey. These are informative sessions designed to bridge the gap between home and school. This is your chance to meet your child's teachers, gain insights into classroom routines, curriculum plans, and discover how you can actively support your child's learning experience.
A few reasons to attend:
Meet the Educators: Connect with your child's teachers and learn about their teaching philosophies, goals, and the classroom environment. Establishing this personal connection sets the foundation for a strong partnership throughout the school year.
Curriculum Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the subjects and topics your child will be exploring. Teachers will outline the curriculum and provide insights into how you can reinforce learning at home.
Classroom Dynamics: Get a feel for the classroom atmosphere and routines. Understand daily schedules, expectations, and communication channels, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning experience for your child.
Ask Questions: This is the perfect space to ask questions, seek clarifications, and address any concerns you might have. Open communication between parents and educators is crucial for your child's academic success.
Community Building: Back-to-School Nights provide an opportunity to connect with other families in your child's class. Building a supportive network can enrich your family's school experience.
Back To School Night Dates
Daniel Feeney Preschool: Sept. 21
Boyden: Sept. 20
Elm: Sept. 26
Fisher: Oct. 5
Old Post Road: Sept. 27
Bird Middle: Sept. 19
Johnson Middle: Sept. 19
Walpole High School: Sept. 21
Scholarship Applications
Please be advised that the Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship application will be available October 1 through October 31. The application is on the District Website and available in the Superintendent's Office. Awards are for undergraduates attending four-year accredited colleges. The primary criteria for awarding scholarships shall be scholastic ability, need, and character of the applicant. To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must be a graduate of Walpole High School.
Free and Reduced Meal Applications
While school meals are free for all students this year, it is very important for families to still complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2023-2024 school year. Completing this form may entitle your child to other benefits such as waived or reduced fees for bus transportation, college applications, SATS, or other community programs. The application can be found here. Questions can be directed to Maria Hall, Food Services Director at mhall@walpole.k12.ma.us or calling 774-315-5640.
Additionally, families may consider applying for SNAP, the federal nutrition program that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries. More SNAP information can be found here or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Walk with the Supers
September 22nd: 8:30 - 9:45 am at WHS Track: This event is designed to promote community engagement and wellness - Come for a portion or stay the entire time to walk and talk with Dr. Gough and Dr. Hahn. This is open to all community members.
Private Lessons through the WPS Music Department
The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the fall session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Most lessons are currently being taught virtually. Session 1 will run September 25 to January 26. Registration is open until Monday, September 18th.
For more information, visit:
https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview
To register, visit:
https://www.familyid.com/walpole-public-schools/private-music-lessons-2023-2024-session-i
For questions, email:
Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us
Middle School Building Project
It is exciting to see the weekly transformation of our new middle school! The last slab-on-grade pour was Tuesday and now only a few auditorium risers remain. The roof is substantially complete. Exterior banner support steel has been welded to the structure of the West Façade. Interior framing is ongoing. Exterior masonry install continues. You can view updated photos on the middle school project webpage here. Questions? You can reach out to the Middle School Project team via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us.
Interior (Band Rm to Auditorium)
Science Rm Plumbing and Blocking Install
Gauge Metal Framing Layout
A Message from Dr. Gough
August 18, 2023
Dear WPS Community,
We are excited to welcome back our students and staff to the 2023-2024 school year. Next week, over 30 new WPS staff will participate in their week-long orientation. School offices will open on August 22nd. All staff will report back on Monday, August 28th. Students in grades 1-12 will report to school on Wednesday, August 30th, and on Tuesday, September 5th, we welcome back our PreK and Kindergarten students. We have included links to start and end times as well as the 2023-2024 school year calendar. Bus routes have been posted, which can be found HERE.
Summer Updates
During the summer months, progress on the newly combined middle school has been nothing short of amazing with an opening date still scheduled for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The second phase of the elementary STEM spaces is now complete with the addition of new materials and furniture. As you drive past the front entrance of Walpole High School, you will see the construction of a new wall and the completed resurfacing of the WHS track. The WHS renovation project has now moved to the design and development phase, bringing us closer to addressing many of our needs identified and advocated for over eight years ago when we developed the statement of interest. Through the summer, interviews, curriculum work, and R&D projects continued. Finally, as of August 9th, Massachusetts adopted universal free lunch for all students, regardless of household income.
Apptegy
Walpole Public Schools are thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones! Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. Learn more
You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3BZ2JCc
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3C3cFuk
Help Wanted
The hiring process has been busy this summer, and we are excited about the talented educators who are joining the WPS community. We are still looking to hire Education Support Professionals and Teacher Aides. Please contact Laurie Sylvia, HR Coordinator @ lsylvia@walpole.k12.ma.us or 508-660-7200 ext. 5273 to apply.
Walk with the Supers
50th Annual Walpole Road Race
On September 4th, the WHS Cross Country and Track Boosters will be hosting the 50th Annual Walpole Road Race at Walpole High School. It is one of the oldest road races in the area (one year younger than Falmouth), and includes a Youth Mile, 5K, and 10K race. All proceeds support the 200+ athletes in the Walpole High School Cross Country and Track & Field programs. Each race participant will receive a finisher’s medal. There are also virtual editions for both the 5K and 10K races. For additional information and to register online, please visit www.walpoleroadrace.org.
Dr. Bridget Gough
Email: districtnews@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: www.walpole.k12.ma.us
Location: 135 School Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508-660-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walpolepublicschools/
Twitter: @PublicWalpole